Friday, August 28, 2015

Bible Study Notes in Numbers- Chapter 8

Numbers 8

-The lampstand that would be in the holy place in the
tabernacle was given a brief description as this chapter begins. God spoke to
Moses for him to speak to Aaron concerning this important article for the
worship of Almighty Yahweh. His Light becomes the light of the world (John 8:12;
9:5, 2 Corinthians 4:3-7). The work was according to the pattern prescribed by
God (Numbers 8:1-4). It was not man’s plan at all. The Designer had, and has,
full authority.

-The next section where God speaks to Moses concerns the
cleansing and purification of the Levites for service in the tent of meeting.
They were to be sprinkled with purifying water symbolically and cut themselves
with a razor removing all hair from their body. They were to wash their clothes
thoroughly so that they would be ritually clean. Then they were to take a bull
with its grain offering, fine flour mixed with oil, and they were to take a
second bull for a sin offering. Then they, the Levites, were to be presented
before the tent of meeting with the whole congregation of the sons of Israel
assembled. The sons of Israel would then lay their lands on them before the
LORD in a dedication for spiritual service, and Aaron was to present them as a
wave offering before the LORD in order to qualify them to perform service in
the House of God. Then the Levites were to lay their hands on the heads of the
bulls submitting one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to
make atonement for their imperfections. Again Aaron would make a wave offering
presenting them finally to the LORD. The Levites were God’s, sanctified as His
gift to perform the service of the LORD. He could have taken the first born
sons from Israel as they were purchased and sanctified by Him during the Passover
in Egypt, but He made provision otherwise to make atonement on behalf of the
people of Israel so that no plague would come among them by them coming near
the sanctuary (Numbers 8:5-19). Thus, Moses and Aaron, along with the people, did
all that the LORD commanded to the Levites for their consecration. After these things,
the Levites went in to do the service of the LORD in the tent of meeting, “just
as the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them
(Numbers 8:20-22).”

-Now, the LORD spoke to Moses concerning the required ages
of service in the work of the tent of meeting for the Levites. They were to
start their work at the age of twenty-five, but at the age of fifty they were
to retire and not work any more. They could assist to keep obligations, but
they themselves were not allowed to do any of the work after that age (Numbers
8:23-26).

-*Application* The concepts of light, purity, consecration, and
retirement are not new to us. Jesus said we should be lights in this world,
just as He is Light (Matthew 5:14-16). While we do not do ritualistic things
any more like they did in this national period, we, by faith and devotion,
should separate ourselves for the work and plan that God has designed for us,
His children. Being obedient to that proves for a better life that is fulfilled
and clean before Him. Lastly, the principle of passing on our experience and
vision to the next generation should be considered. No one will live forever in
the flesh here on this earth. We need to ensure our legacy while we still have
time and empower those who will follow us to continue in the service of the
Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Neglecting to do this, or trying
to hold onto power too long, damages and tarnishes our effectiveness and is
prideful. Relinquish your rights before God when it is time to pass the baton.